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Virtual colonoscopy for colorectal cancer screening: current status
Jay P Heiken1, Christine M Peterson, Christine O Menias
1Mallinckrodt Institute of Radiology, St Louis, MO 63110, USA. heikenj@mir.wustl.edu
Summary
Computed tomography colonography (CTC), or virtual colonoscopy, accurately detects colon polyps. While not yet a standard screening, CTC offers a low-risk, well-tolerated alternative for selecting patients needing colonoscopy.
Area of Science:
- Medical Imaging
- Gastroenterology
- Oncology
Background:
- Computed tomography colonography (CTC), also known as virtual colonoscopy, is a noninvasive helical CT imaging technique.
- While effective for specific uses, CTC is not yet a universally endorsed colorectal cancer screening method.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current status and utility of CTC for colorectal cancer screening.
- To evaluate CTC's accuracy in detecting colonic polyps and identifying patients who may benefit from conventional colonoscopy.
Main Methods:
- Review of clinical trials and literature on CTC for colorectal cancer screening.
- Discussion of CTC procedure, performance, interpretation pitfalls, and related factors.
Main Results:
- CTC demonstrates accuracy in detecting colonic polyps.
- Advantages over conventional colonography include lower risk and better patient tolerance.
- The review addresses radiation dose, extracolonic findings, bowel preparation, and computer-aided diagnosis.
Conclusions:
- CTC is an accurate tool for polyp detection and patient selection for colonoscopy.
- Its noninvasive nature and patient tolerance are significant benefits.
- Further considerations include radiation dose, incidental findings, and technological advancements.